THE PASSING SHOW.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17384, 21 April 1928, Page 13 (Supplement)

THE PASSING SHOW.

COMMENT AND CRITICISM.

(By “Free Lance.”) No one will begrudge honour to the three aviators who have traversed the Atlantic Ocean from East to West. They have demonstrated that such a journey is amongst the possibilities and that ere long it may become commonplace. Little enthusiasm, however, was displayed in the project at the outset, especially in Germany, where it was regarded as a foolhardy venture and official circles endeavoured to frown it down. When, however, it was announced that the airmen had reached the coast of Newfoundland those who previously condemned were urgent in tendering congratulations. The only jarring note has been struck in Bremen, where the Senate declined to tender a tribute because the aeroplane carried an old imperialistic and not a German Republican flag. There is nothing like factional prejudice to warp judgment and withhold honours.

It is open to question whether it is justifiable at this period of aerial development to take such risks as were undertaken by the crew of the Bremen, for experts are apparently agreed that the advantages to be gained are small and are not to be pitted against the lives of brave men. • The loss of several intrepid men and women had emphasised the danger of the venture, and now, though it has been demonstrated that a plane, with a considerable amount of good fortune, has a sporting chance of getting across the trip will not prove alluring to the majority of folk. A few on the look-out for thrills may be inclined to stake their lives on the mechanism of an engine, but until it is established that fatalities are the exception and not the rule the general inclination will be to stick to the steamboats. Of course it is recognised that there will have to be pioneers to make the trip, but "Free Lance" contends that one failure in such hazardous ventures should be ample demonstration that aerial development is not abreast of requirements to ensure safe transport, and a second venture can only be justified when experience has shown further substantial improvement in mechanical construction.

Further ' trouble is looming in shipping circles in Australia, and indications are that the unions are organising for a hold up. Negotiations were in progress for a new log, when the owners alleging that the provisions of existing awards were not being observed by the members of the maritime unions, declined to proceed further until a change was made in this respect. That is the p'osition at the time of writing. The unions demand the continuation of the negotiations: the owners decline to comply, pending the observance of the awards. That being the position, the public will once more be the chopping block and the chief sufferers. It would be well if seamen studied some advice proffered by ILis Excellency the Governor-General when addressing a meeting of the Seamen's Institute in one of our principal ports. Sir Charles said: "If people give you courtesy and hospitality they are entitled to expect the same treatment from you when they go to sea, and the public have been in many respects very sorely tried in the past. It is of no use lo go to a city merchant or a farmer with an appeal for money for an institution such as this if the merchant is losing a week of precious lime, and money as well, because his goods are being held up, or if the farmer is having his produce detained. That sort of thing is simply killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, or rather 1 had perhaps better say it is plucking feathers from a potential living angel!'" If a body of men make a delight of inconveniencing and inflicting loss on the public at large, they must expect to alienate sympathy and" support in movements which are for their benefit.

Recent happenings in the United States should suffice to convince New Zealanders that there are worse places in which to reside than a British community. The revelations at Pittsburg concerning the horrors perpetrated by the notorious Ku Klux Klan, from whose ranks negroes, Orientals, Roman Catholics, and for-eign-born persons, are most rigorously excluded, only 100 per cent. \mericans being eligible for membership were calculated to make one wonder whether a community in which such occurrences were possible could claim to be civilised. It is said the members of the Klan claim that their mission is to assist the police to exterminate undesirables. In view ol the Pittsburgh disclosures it would seem that one way in which the members could accomplish their purpose would be by committing suicide. The account of the Chicago elections makes a Briton gasp. Life is held cheaplv in the pork packers' cty—that of the human being in no higher regard than that of the swine. The Stars and Stripes may wave over the f rcc - "Free Lance" for one prefers the security which the folds of the Union Jack guarantees. * * * *

Vandals Abroad! The New Zealand Railway Department is showing a great desire to afford town-dwellers an opportunity of viewing some of the show places of which the Dominion is justly proud. One such place in the South Island is the. Otira Gorge, famous almost throughout the world for its rugeed scenery and native flora. The department runs frequent excursions from Christ-church to this picturesque spot and the trips are exceedingly popular. "Free Lance," however, is informed that the floral glories are gradually disappearing. On each occasion excursionists carry home bundles of flowers, ferns and shrubs, of which they have denuded the pass; Surely this* should not be permitted. The remedy is in the hands of the department itself: it could easily place a ban upon carrying flowors, plants, or foliage in a train when returning from an excursion, and lynx-eyed officials should be appointed to see that the regulation is strictly observed. It is a matter which should receive the earnest and early consideration of the department. The evil is being perpetrated at other places besides the Otira Gorge,

A country paper said: "E. B. Dooliltle is in the habit of stealing pigs untl robbing hen roosts. If he docs not desist we shall publish his name." This reminds us of the minister who said: "If the lady with the blue hat, red hair, and cross eyes doesn't stop talking she will be pointed out to the congregation-'*